Senior team congratulate student depute for her contributions to UHI North Highland

Sophie-Ann Bain, a hairdressing student at UHI North Highland, was recently presented with a certificate of valued contribution by the chairman of the Board of Management (BoM), Robbie Rowantree.

Sophie-Ann was the Highlands and Islands Student Association (HISA) depute officer at UHI North Highland for the past year, with her role recently coming to an end. She was elected by her fellow students with the aim of enhancing the student experience, running events throughout the year, and raising funds for local charities.

She said “Through working with HISA, I have grown in confidence and have enjoyed engaging with fellow students. Being a part of the BoM was a brilliant experience, and it was great to represent the student voice. I was given the chance to chair a meeting which is something I never thought I would do and would like to thank the board for the opportunity and their support.”

Board Chair, Robbie Rowantree, said “I was delighted to be able to present the Valued Contribution certificate to Sophie-Ann. She has been an asset to the Board of Management and is a loud, clear voice for the students and their welfare. Sophie-Ann has worked very hard to raise awareness of mental health issues, which have been brought into focus by the difficult years of the Covid pandemic which is an addition to her work on the committees and as the HISA rep. I would like to encourage as many students as possible to consider following Sophie-Ann 's example and representing the student voice on the Board. We wish her the very best for a bright future.”

Sophie-Ann recently ran a prize draw for staff and students to raise money for Caithness Mental Health Support Group (CMHSG) whose centres include Stepping Stones in Thurso and The Haven in Wick. The centres are a safe place for people who are affected by mental health issues.

She said “I am delighted to have raised £280.00 for CMHSG. This money will help to buy equipment and improve all users’ experience at the centres.”

Centre manager for CMHSG, Chris MacKenzie said “Thank you to Sophie-Ann and the kind donations from staff and students at UHI North Highland. The money helps our group run our 2 centres which are open every day of the year”.